NRHA's product knowledge training
programs for employees are designed
to give store associates the information they need to be productive right from the
start. We offer training programs in core hardware and building materials categories
and it's free to all NRHA members.

Lowe's Hires Canadian Lobbyist for Rona Acquisition

September 4, 2012

Lowe’s has hired a lobbyist to work on its proposed C$1.8 billion acquisition of Rona Inc., aiming to overcome political opposition to a bid for its Quebec-based rival, according to a Reuters story.

It retained Robert Evershed of Prospectus Associates to lobby the federal government, effective Aug. 20, according to Canada's federal lobbying registry.

He will work on gaining “approval by the Minister of Industry of the client’s acquisition of Rona Inc.,” the entry says.

Lowe’s took its proposed bid of Rona public at the end of July and was immediately criticized by the provincial government of Quebec, where Rona’s headquarters are located. The company has not made a formal takeover offer, and Rona is on record opposing the deal.

The deal has become an issue in Quebec’s Sept. 4 election, as both the governing Liberal party and the separatist Parti Quebecois promise to push for measures to curb foreign takeovers.